Extensions to period homes aren’t always as well thought out as they should be, as was the case with the 60s addition to this Victorian Gothic home in Sydney’s Coogee. Interior designer Jeanette Del Zio was engaged to redesign it and the results are stunning. It’s now light, bright and luxurious and both halves of the home now flow together.
The renovation started from the master bedroom in the original part of the home, encompassing the entire 1960’s extension, which had a very pokey, closed floor plan. “There very little usable living/dining space that worked for the new owners’ lifestyle,” says Jeanette. “It was about transforming the entire flow and functionality of this original Victorian Gothic home. With its history and original detailing, it was amazing to help breathe new life into it.”
Entertaining was a huge part of the brief for the family with two young children, keeping all the heritage elements and creating an open plan space at the back. “They wanted a lovely indoor/outdoor feel from the kitchen/living, as they love to have friends and family over,” says Jeanette.
They also wanted a transition from old to new while preserving the original chevron floors in the hallway, the mouldings, doors and high ceilings, and to bring life into the home in a modern way through colour, pattern and texture. More natural light, additional bathrooms and a grand master suite were also on the wish list.
The street side was kept as traditional as possible with timber windows, new French doors and, on the opposite side of the extension, fluted glass windows and skylights in the corrugated iron roof.
There was previously only one bathroom to serve all five bedrooms and there are now three, adding significant value. The theme for the bathrooms was understated elegance with quirky hints of colour and texture.
Making the existing extension open plan with a focus on French doors out to the BBQ and outdoor area for entertaining made a huge difference. A large kitchen has become the heart of the home with a functional and spacious living area.
Large steel doors separate old and new so the children can sleep while the parents entertain in the extension, as well as providing a clear and aesthetic transition.
The super white stone from CDK Stone was a big splurge, with Stonetech getting the detail just right for the curves and edging profile of the island. “We’re all very proud of it,” Jeanette says. “It was such a joy watching that get installed and seeing it come to life. It is a work of art!”
Jeanette, who says it’s one of her favourite projects to date, loves the overall feel of the home: calming, light and welcoming, as well as the tile selection, which gives the spaces an understated luxury feel. She also praised the work of TSA Carpentry and Building.
“I am grateful my clients trusted the vision. It was worth the wait! The house is so special. Not only was the transformation amazing, but the work has added so much value by changing the floorplan to become a much more functional space that any family would love to inhabit.”
Suppliers not already mentioned: Divine Kitchens, Di Lorenzo Tiles, Lo and Co Handles, Hafele, GlobeWest, Trit House.
Photography: Lawrance Furzey
